Oncologist

Patients who require diagnosis and treatment for any number of cancers will be referred to an oncologist. This type of specialist has extensive education and training specifically in how to work with this disease. Cancer often presents in the form of tumors, and the word itself is derived from the Greek word for "mass" or "tumor."

An oncologist will screen patients, especially those who are considered to be high risk because of their family history or environmental factors. He or she will also be an expert in diagnosing cancer. Some of the tests used to diagnose include blood tests, biopsies, endoscopies, ultrasound, CTs, MRIs, and X-rays. The oncologist will generally continue to work with the patient in order to choose the most appropriate treatment options. For example, the oncologist will be able to help determine if surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy treatments might work best for a given situation. The recommended treatment will depend on the type of tumor.

Oncologists are also charged with the palliative care of patients who will not survive the cancer. In some cases, this may require surgery to prolong the patient's life. There are many side effects that can come along with terminal cancer, and an oncologist will help work with a patient to deal with pain, depression, nausea, and other difficulties. It is common for an oncologist to choose to work specifically with a certain type of cancer. These doctors are also often referred to the type of treatment they generally provide: pediatric oncology, gynecological oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and hematology, for example.

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